Luca Ranieri admits he was ‘not used to being up there’ after scoring the potentially decisive Fiorentina goal in the Conference League semi-final away to Real Betis. ‘I closed my eyes and hoped.’
It was a difficult start for the Viola in Seville, as Abde Ezzalzouli smashed one in off the underside of the crossbar after just six minutes, then Antony’s screamer from the edge of the area made it 2-0.
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However, captain Ranieri turned in the Robin Gosens knockdown to give Fiorentina hope and let them go into the second leg next Thursday needing just one goal to level the tie.
“I’m exhausted. The last sprint after Antony at the 88th minute was a lot. So was the goal celebration, admittedly,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.
At least the defender will be able to rest on Sunday, seeing as he is suspended for the Serie A head-to-head with Roma.
Ranieri unexpected goal hero for Fiorentina
SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 01: Luca Ranieri of Fiorentina scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Real Betis Balompie and ACF Fiorentina at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 01, 2025 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The goal was surprising because Ranieri was in such an advanced position, which of course is what surprised the Betis defence.
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“I went up because Rolly Mandragora told me to, he then put the pass over the top for Gosens, I saw him knock it down, closed my eyes and hoped. I am not used to being up there! I saw Robin had got away from the full-back, Moise was in the box, so I went for it.
“We are satisfied, but also know that we need something more in the second leg.”
Ranieri impressed with Betis atmosphere
SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 01: General view inside the stadium as Real Betis fans hold up banners prior to the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Real Betis Balompie and ACF Fiorentina at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 01, 2025 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
There were long periods of Fiorentina pressure in Seville, and that is reflected in the statistics with 53 per cent possession, but there were only eight attempts on goal compared to the 14 of Betis.
“It was a balanced game, the atmosphere was incredible in this beautiful stadium, Betis are a great team, but perhaps we made a few too many misplaced passes. We must try to raise the quality level in the second leg and then I think we can do it,” continued Ranieri.
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See how the game unfolded on the Liveblog.
“The Betis fans deserve praise, as they created such a fiery atmosphere, but our supporters were there too making themselves heard. We are happy that we kept it open with that goal, now it all goes down to the second leg.”
Unfortunately, Fiorentina will not be able to create the same situation because the Stadio Franchi is undergoing extensive restructuring work and the capacity is severely limited.
“We were well prepared, the 2-1 gave us more enthusiasm, we created more chances and went close to 2-2 with Robin. We must try to lose fewer balls playing out from the back and then we can turn it around in the second leg,” concluded Ranieri.
